Embedded Logging Strategies

Jan 20, 2026 · Embedded

Logging on microcontrollers is a balance between insight and overhead. Here are practical patterns for useful logs without breaking real-time behavior.

Use levels and compile-time filtering

Define levels (error, warn, info, debug) and compile out debug logs in production builds.

Prefer binary logging for hot paths

For tight loops, store compact binary events into a ring buffer and decode them off-device.

Timestamp with a monotonic counter

Use a hardware timer or RTOS tick for consistent ordering across tasks and ISRs.

Don’t log from ISRs

Push minimal events to a queue and let a low-priority task format the output.

Start simple, keep logs lightweight, and measure CPU/latency impact early.